Lukewarm
/ˈluːkˌwɔrm/
adjectiveB1
Definition
Lukewarm describes something that is slightly warm, but not hot. It can also describe feelings or reactions that are not very strong, showing little interest or excitement.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Slightly warm temperature, not hot or cold
- •The soup was lukewarm when I tasted it.
- •I prefer my bath water hot, but this is just lukewarm.
- •The coffee got lukewarm because I left it on the table.
Weak or not very strong feeling or reaction
- •She gave a lukewarm response to the invitation.
- •His support for the idea was lukewarm at best.
- •The audience’s applause was lukewarm, not very loud or excited.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "lukewarm" like "warm," but much less hot—like the temperature of water that is not cold but not hot enough to be pleasant
- ✓Picture a cup of tea that has been sitting for a while: it’s not hot anymore, but not cold either—just in the middle
- ✓It's the feeling when you like something a little, but you are not excited or very interested in it
- ✓Sounds like "look warm" → imagine looking at something that should be hot but feels only a little warm, so you hesitate to touch it
- ✓Remember when you drink coffee that is not fresh and just a little warm—it doesn’t taste good or exciting
- ✓NOT like "hot" (very warm), lukewarm is mild and weak in temperature or feeling
- ✓NOT like "cold" (no heat), lukewarm is between cold and hot
- ✓NOT like "enthusiastic" (strong feeling), lukewarm is weak or half-hearted
Try Other Words
- •Tepid: slightly warm, often used for liquids (Use when talking about water or drinks that are not hot)
- •Mild: gentle or not strong (Use when describing feelings or reactions that are soft or weak)
- •Half-hearted: showing little enthusiasm (Use when describing weak or unenthusiastic feelings or actions)
- •Cool: not warm, but not cold either (Use when temperature is lower than lukewarm)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "luke" + "warm" (The "luke" part is old and means "tepid" or mildly warm)
- •Etymology: From Middle English "lukewarme," combining "luke" (mild) and "warm"
- •Historical development: Used since the 14th century to describe temperature that is not hot or cold
- •Modern usage: Used for temperature and also to describe weak or unenthusiastic feelings or reactions
- •Key insight: Describes a middle, mild state, neither strong nor cold
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you felt lukewarm about something you usually like? Why?
•How does being lukewarm about an idea or event affect your actions or decisions?
Fill in the blanks
1.The tea was lukewarm because it had been sitting on the table for ___ minutes.
2.When she heard the news, her lukewarm reaction showed she was not very ___.
3.Unlike a hot welcome, the guests received a lukewarm ___ from the host.
4.If the water is lukewarm, it is ___ hot but not cold either.
5.He gave a lukewarm answer, which means he was only ___ interested in the topic.
6.A lukewarm feeling about a plan usually means you ___ fully support it.
7.The soup was not hot enough to enjoy, it was just lukewarm and a little ___ to eat.